The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education authorizes licenses for non-public postsecondary educational institutions operating and soliciting in South Carolina. The CHE licenses degree- and non-degree-granting institutions, and licensure is required for both sites and programs. The CHE is the sole authority for licensing non-public educational institutions established in South Carolina, and for those established elsewhere which want to operate in or confer degrees in this state.
- Law, Regulations and Exemptions
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- Nonpublic Postsecondary Institution License Act, SC Code Sections 59-58-10 through 59-58-140 (PDF)
- CHE Regulations 62-1 through 62-28 Governing Nonpublic Institutions (PDF)
- Explanation of Exemption for Institutions Whose Sole Purpose is Religious or Theological Training (PDF)
- Exemption of SC Independent Institutions (PDF)
- Fines and Fees Report – Proviso 117.74 Fiscal Year 2022/23 (PDF)
- Licensing Procedures
- Request Application for New Licenses
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To request an application for licensure please contact a member of the licensing staff at (803) 737-2260 or e-mail your request to licensing@che.sc.gov. Please provide the following information:
- Your name, school name and location e-mail address (preferable) OR address to which the packet should be mailed
- Whether your school is a degree-granting or non-degree-granting institution
- The curriculum titles
- A telephone number where you can be reached.
- Pay Licensing Fees Online
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Nonpublic postsecondary educational institutions can pay their licensing fees at: https://sc.accessgov.com/commissiononhighereducation/Forms/Page/commissiononhighereducation/nonpublic-postsecondary-institution-license (External link)
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- Licensing - Frequently Asked Questions
- Directory of CHE Licensed Non-Public Postsecondary Institutions
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- Directory of Licensed Non-Degree (Occupational Training) Institutions as of 5/16/2023 (PDF)
- Directory of Institutions Licensed to Recruit SC Residents (PDF)
- Postsecondary Institutions No Longer Operating In SC (PDF) (CHE does not retain information on or records for Pre-K - High Schools.)
- Directory of Massage Therapy Programs (PDF)
SC State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) for Distance Courses and Programs
- About SC SARA
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South Carolina is a member state the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which allows distance program enrollment between participating institutions in member states. This voluntary agreement establishes comparable standards for interstate offerings of postsecondary distance education. Participation is limited to accredited degree-granting institutions. The CHE is designated as the state portal entity for SC SARA and is responsible for the coordination of all SARA activities for the state.
- Pay SC SARA Fees Online